Advice on Dad's 93 F250? - Diesel Forum

Stamey · 05-03-2005, 10:01 PM

Hi Guys,
I'm looking for some advice on my Dad's F250. It has a 7.3L naturally aspirated in it. (I hope this is the right forum for this)
1993 F250, 4x4, AT, loaded, currently has 246K on it.
He bought it last year and has no idea how many, if any, injection pumps have been put on it. He has changed out the fuel filter recently and has replaced all glow plugs a while back.
It runs OK but smokes grayish blue. I was at his house Sunday and watched it idle, cold. It was looking like mosquito repellent, but not a cloud you couldn't see through. I noticed that while there was a steady stream of gray smoke, every few seconds it puffed out gray smoke thicker, for about a half second.
He is unhappy with the mileage, I think he said 15 highway, but does not know if it is lacking for power because he has not driven another one to compare.
One fellow has told him that he needs and injector pump, and I want to confirm that, or get some hints on diagnosing the smoke and more mileage.
Will advancing the timing help? (He has also heard that messing with the timing on a 7.3 can be disastrous, and is worried about doing anything to the timing).
I tend to agree with the need of the injector pump, especially since I read on this site where they need to be replaced after about 100K, but I know Cummins, not International. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
I hope you guys can offer some words of wisdom here.

Thanks,
Chris

beretzs · 05-03-2005, 10:10 PM

15MPG may be right on, just depends on what speed he is getting 15mpg at? If it is at 75Mph, it may be about right. If he is getting it at 55 or 60, he has an aged IP and Injectors (also depends upon what gears he has to 3.55's or 4.10's). If you are going to replace an unknown mileage IP, you might as well replace and or test the current injectors. If the pump is worn, you can almost guarantee there are a few injectors that are not up to snuff. Once you replace the injectors and IP, time the truck to 8.5BTDC at 2000Rpms. That should give him max power and economy. If I missed any of your other questions let me know. If he wants to try and boost economy a little, he might wanna try opening up his exhaust with a free flowing 3-4" exhaust with a straight through muffler. Also, putting some kind of open intake will help some. Sorry for the long post. Scotty

exekiel69 · 05-03-2005, 10:10 PM

the big guy's will tell you better, but it is very possible you have to replace or rebuild the ip. you can buy it here or you can get one at ken's web page.

about the timing it is not that dangerous if you have the dinamic timing tool and somebody who know's how to use it. we did it this wheekend on the mini meeting on gettysburg and it look ease.

exekiel

cdnsarguy · 05-03-2005, 10:22 PM

Welcome Torquin the basement door is open and we need new members....

First I have to ask what brand GPs did your dad install, we recomend Beru/Motorcraft from Azone about $10 each they are OEM and by far the best for our trucks.

There is a possibility the return lines were disturbed when the GPs were replaced and air is entering the system, if the lines are a grey painted rubber hose they would be original.

Check the IP too see if it is a model 5013, and check the injector flats for the code letter E.

Replacements can be obtained from MWIF web page.

Stamey · 05-04-2005, 07:11 AM

He said he got the GPs from the Ford dealer for 8 bucks a piece (he's got a wholesale connection)
The lines seemed like they had a fabric covering over them, but they were gray. My memory is kind of vague at this point.
I will check and see what speed he normally drives.

Thanks,
Chris

Stamey · 05-04-2005, 07:44 AM

He says he drives about 70. He has a 35 mile commute to work, mostly interstate, and is very concerned about fuel mileage at this point. He'd realy rather drive his truck than the Escort wagon [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img].

I am trying to get number off the pump for you guys. What about the injectors? Will he have to pull an injector to see the numbers/letter you speak of?

Are those 2 links posted for an injection pump the cheapest/best place to get it? Dad has been getting some unreal prices on a rebuilt pump from local sources.

Thanks again,
Chris

jslash · 05-04-2005, 09:02 AM

Chris,

I've been investigating pumps quite extensively the past few weeks.
I've found these guys to be the most recommended...

DIS Click
DPS (Ken) Click
MWFI Click
Accurate Diesel (Tim) Click

All these folks have come recommended by one or more members. By far
Tim at Accurate Diesel seems to be the least expensive. I'm probably
going to go with him when I have mine done. Ken comes highly
recommended for high performance parts but I don't need the performance
or the added cost that comes with the performance.

The main thing for me is that a couple of the companies have units
on the shelf so you can buy, swap, and ship back the old core. Others
don't so you have to shut down your truck for a week or so while you
send your pump in for rebuild.

Good luck and as always... YMMV [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Jim/

beretzs · 05-04-2005, 10:58 AM

IF he has 4.10's gears in his truck, driving 70MPH he is turning around 2300-2500 Rpms depending upon tire size, with 3.55's he is probably right around 2000RPMS. Now if he is getting 15MPG with 4.10's at 70mph, that is really about average, he may do a touch better with a new IP and injectors, but he is "screaming" in diesel terms. You really don't need to look up the numbers, just go to mwfi.com and look up your year of truck and it will show you what IP and Injectors you need. They are a pretty good service, pretty fast, and they will send you the new IP and Injectors, and then you don't really have to have your truck down for any long period of time. Then, get the truck timed at a shop. 8.5BTDC!! Very important. You can do it by ear, and still be off a degree or two, and if you are looking for mileage, that will be a big difference. Next is ditch the old exhaust and put a nice mandrel bent 3-3.5" exhaust on the truck with a good straight through muffler. It will help the truck alot. You can go to any good muffler shop and they will take care of you.

The IP is about 300.00 from MWFI, and about 30 bucks a piece, depending on what injectors you get, then about 30 bucks for a return line kit. It is a little investment, but it will pay huge dividends if the old IP and Injectors are worn. Good luck. Scotty